It’s a big debate in the lash industry at the moment – should we do separate client consultations with every new client, or just do a mini one at the start of the appointment time? There is so much more to a consultation than finding out about medications/medical conditions – it is the perfect time to find out about any past experiences with lashes, take a look at the eye shapes, and condition of the natural lashes. So many lash techs don’t complete a consultation anymore, but combining a consultation as part of the patch test is a great way to ensure your client comes in for a patch test, which is essential for most treatments. In this blog, we will explore the importance of client consultations in the context of eyelash extensions and why they are necessary for a successful and satisfying lash experience.
Understanding Client Consultations
A consultation is a dedicated session before the actual treatment. It can be a separate session before the day of the treatment, or as part of the treatment on the day. It allows the lash tech and the client to discuss various aspects, such as desired lash style, length, curl, and overall expectations. The consultation may also involve assessing the client’s natural lashes, discussing any allergies or sensitivities, medical history and providing aftercare instructions.
What should a client consultation cover?
There are a number of things that should be included in a client consultation, to ensure you have all the information you need to safely and effectively apply a set of lashes to your clients desired standard.
Medical history
Covering medical history is arguably the most important thing to cover in client consultations. In finding out their history, you will know if they have any kind of conditions that are a contra-indication to the treatment, potentially preventing it from going ahead. You will also find out if they are currently (or recently been) on any medication that may affect the treatment or stop it from going ahead.
Allergies/Sensitivities
It is so important to find out if your client has any allergies or sensitivities. Not only to the products you are using through the treatment in particular (ie lash glue) but also things you may have around your salon that can effect them! Imagine having a client that is severely allergic to nuts, and you have just finished a peanut butter sandwich for lunch and are spending the appointment breathing tiny fragments of it over them, causing a reaction. Or using a cleansing shampoo that has coconut extract in, to later find out they are actually allergic to coconuts!
Lash history
Finding out your client’s history with lashes will be beneficial to you and your client. It will allow you to find out if your client knows what to expect, so that you can manage their expectations if necessary. It will also allow you to find out if there is a style that they’d had previously that they do not want again. For example, the last time they had lashes may have been a set of classics, but they decided it wasn’t enough for them and want to go for something a bit fuller/more dramatic. Finding out their history and what they did/didn’t like about their past treatments will allow you to better meet their requirements and give them a more desirable end result.
Client eye/face shape
Meeting your client in person for a consultation will allow you to effectively assess their face and eye shape. It can be difficult to do this from a picture as things can be distorted by a camera, so doing it in person is always best. Properly assessing your clients’ face/eye shape will allow you to pick a lash map and style that will complement their features, leading to a much more desirable end result.
Client expectations
Your client will come to their appointment with certain expectations about the treatment – a list of things they would want to get out of the treatment. However, due to a number of factors, these expectations may not always be realistic or achievable. During a consultation, you can educate your client about the different options available and manage their expectations regarding the final look. This helps to avoid any misunderstandings and ensures that the client is satisfied with the outcome.
Natural lash health
Sometimes your clients natural lash health will prevent them from getting what they want out of a treatment. If you have someone book in for a set of Mega Volume lashes, but their natural lashes will only support a 3-4D fan, then you will need to ensure your client is aware of this before the treatment starts, so to avoid disappointment.
Desired lengths/curls
During a consultation, you can discuss with your client what lengths/curls they would like and manage their expectations if you disagree for whatever reason. One of the benefits to doing a consultation separately before the appointment means that you can assess what your client wants before the treatment, giving you time to purchase the stock should you need anything you don’t already have in stock.
Aftercare guidance
Running your client through aftercare guidance before the actual treatment will allow them to avoid any issues in keeping to that aftercare advice. For example, your first time client may not be aware that they should not get their lashes wet straight after the treatment, and so they had planned to wash their hair right after the appointment before going to an event that night. Ensuring your client is properly prepared beforehand will mean they can plan around the aftercare advice, allowing them to keep to it and get the most out of their retention.
If you are looking for a form that covers all of the above – why not try our Client Consultation Record Pad? This 50-page pad is great for client consultations and keeping clients’ records organised, for just £5.95.
What are the benefits of doing client consultations?
Aside from finding out all of the above information essential to complete a lash treatment, it is also a really good opportunity to build a relationship with your client. By actively listening to their concerns, addressing their questions, and demonstrating expertise, you can establish a strong relationship. This builds trust, improves the overall experience, and encourages clients to return for future appointments.
It also gives the perfect opportunity to patch test your new clients. Patch testing is an essential part of an initial consultation, as it ensures you rule out any allergies or sensitivities before going through the entire treatment. Usually, it has to be done a minimum of 24 hours before the treatment so there is enough time to allow a reaction. So, combining a patch test with the consultation will allow yourself time to get the stock you need for the appointment.
So, to recap, client consultations are a necessary and valuable step in the eyelash extension process. They allow lash artists to customise the styling of the set, address health and safety considerations, manage client expectations, and provide aftercare guidance. By conducting thorough consultations, lash techs can ensure that their clients receive a tailored and satisfactory lash experience. Moreover, consultations help in building strong client relationships, leading to long-term satisfaction and loyalty.
Thinking about getting into the lash industry, or training in something new? Take a look at our range of courses here. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with our friendly team with any questions you may have! Email us at: training@pinkifishes.com or call us on: 01245475912